Saudi Arabia extended distance learning for schools, universities, and technical institutions until the end of the current academic year, announced the Ministry of Education.
Minister Hamad Al Sheikh stressed that the decision comes to safeguard the health of students and all education personnel and as part of the country’s efforts to counter the spread of COVID-19.
He indicated that the aim also is to boost the success that has been achieved in distance learning in the Kingdom and strengthen the partnership between parents and civil institutions, resulting in the unique Saudi model in distance education.
The decision was taken after assessing the situation over the past weeks, and in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry conducted extensive studies between the joint committees of public and university education to assess the successes achieved in distance learning through the Madrasati platform and various educational alternatives such as Ain educational channels, Youtube lesson channels, the national education Ain portal, and the application for the virtual kindergarten.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health confirmed that coronavirus vaccination centers in various regions of the Kingdom continue to receive citizens and residents who have registered for appointments through “Sehatty” application.
The Ministry recorded 327 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total confirmed infections in the Kingdom to 375,333. It also announced five deaths, taking the total number of virus-related fatalities to 6,466.
The ministry reported 318 recoveries, taking the total number to 366,412, and 2,455 active cases with 497 in critical condition.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense inaugurated a new coronavirus vaccination center at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, as part of the 16 new coronavirus vaccination centers in military hospitals throughout the Kingdom.
The centers are part of a campaign to vaccinate employees of the ministry and their families in various regions of the country.
In other news, the Ministry of Commerce increased its inspection rounds by 10 percent compared with the previous week, which resulted in a 12 percent increase in detection of violations.
The Ministry continues its intensive inspection rounds throughout the country to monitor the commitment of commercial establishments to the precautionary measures to confront the coronavirus.
The ministry said it recorded 836 violations during inspections, asserting that businesses were fined for violating the preventive measures.
The Ministry’s supervisory teams monitored various violations including non-compliance with the specified capacity, failure to oblige shoppers to wear masks and maintain social distance, and workers' lack of commitment to the precautions.
